08 May, 2014

I got to work a little late this morning and Casey, of crazy bar fame, is nowhere to be found. He's out getting beer, I was told. Now VO is a pretty laid back place, but beer at 9:30am? Turns out that we just got the prototype six-pack rack. And yes, it's another of Casey's crazy ideas, basically a rail that bolts to several of our front racks allowing you easily carry, you guessed it, a six-pack. The photos tell the story.

Great Idea and you could add a "six pack net" to the mix to help keep things in place. Not sure about Annapolis but on the mean streets of West Seattle we have potholes that could easily launch some beer missiles.

i don't drink, so it has no obvious use for me, but i like the idea, and would be into it if i did drink. as it is, i bet it will work for people in other ways - might fit their favorite purse or lunchbox or sports equipment well.

Why would you want to box yourself in with a rack addition like this when you can just get a rando bag that not only carries a six pack but also prevents them from ejecting on rough roads. A bonus of a basic rando bag is that it can carry pretty much anything in addition to six pack transportation. I'd send this one back to the drawing board. Cute idea that would look good in some silly bike accessories spread in Momentum though.

Brilliant! This is just what I've wanted! Will it fit the constructeur racks? I like the design of the porteur racks, they just are a bit too big for me. A pair of these on front and rear constructeur racks would be a dream come true.

I have been dreaming of a porteur rack attachment designed just like this! Why not consider that? I can't see buying a porteur rack for the rare times I'd use it (plus having to replace with existing rack and remove later). But, if there was a porteur rack attachment like this, you'd have my money.

I agree with Andy and anonymous 2:33pm. Too precious, too single purpose, too much. A rando bag works, as does a small basket, or just the small rack with strap or bungies or net. The rando bag has the added benefit of preventing beer bottles missiles launching from bumps in the road. And I'll second the motion for a good saddlebag support that mounts to canti-studs. Something that has weight capacity similar to a Nitto R10, but doesn't require the seatpost mount.

It's an interesting concept. I wouldn't get one of these, but I would be interested in a small platform that attaches to the 4 points in the same way, for carrying light-weight but bulky items. I would also be interested in a basket like the Wald 137 or 139 which could be bolted on like this. I know it can be done with clamps or zip-ties, but this is more secure and elegant.

This is a very sharp rack. I like that it is something different than a Wald basket. It can carry small odds and ends, a six pack sure, a summer outfit, etc. But, enough products are offered, by VO that will allow you to carry beer and so much more as others have said.

My initial reaction was, " Oh awesome! I want one!" But, it was mainly because of the beer. I don't feel like this is a rack option VO needs to offer. But, if you do I'm sure it will sell...

My reaction is positive in principle, but I'd point out that not all six packs are a standard size. Maybe something that had adjustable sides (which could also be used to make the package more secure if the size could be squoze tight then secured). Then again, making it too complicated might not be the best thing.

Would be better if it could carry a six pack of cans or two growlers as well - doesn't look good for either of those beer vessels. I agree with all the pro-rando bag people too. It looks cool, but beers on racks shake too much. I've had enough rides with beer fizzing out from under bottle caps to know that bike racks and beer don't mix.

I would only get one if there were a slot for my artisinal axe so I could carry both at the same time. And another slot for the first aid kit if I get confused about whether I should chop wood or drink beer first.

Very Neat.Would be nice if it came with a leather strap or two that hooked over the top to secure the load..and maybe even some leather or other material padding over the bottom bars, to help deal with the beer-shaking issue..

That's a great product. You'll not only sell the Beer Rails to existing customers, but you'll sell more of the racks to new buyers, if the price is right.

I mean what beer drinker in ownership of a bike with a rack has never, out of hopeful curiosity, test fit a six pack on it, puzzling over how to make it stay? This design is simple and elegant, and the concept sure to draw smiles wherever you ride at beer time.

So, very attractive concept, well worth testing thoroughly. Neither the concerns of rail-to-package fit nor excessive shaking should be deal breakers, just limitations or recommendations for use. (E.G. Should I expect to need to cut a piece of foam for padding the bottom?)

I have a hunch the price needs needs to be almost in impulse buy territory. Can you make a decent margin at $40-50?

Speaking of racks, that apparently attach to the Pass Hunter Front Rack with integrated decaleur, which I have already purchased and carefully attached to my green Polyvalent frame & fender, I was to argue for and demand a set of attachable / detachable pannier racks that can be attached to the front rack and (I think you call them) the low-rider bosses which are so nicely included on the Polyvalent, and of course the rack eyelet on the front dropout.

I don't think one should have to go to the trouble of changing the racks from the Pass Hunter rack to the Campeur pannier rack each time one wants to do so light touring, not even including the duplicated cost, and certainly considering the four nice eyelets included on the Pass Hunter front rack!

That is my plea. I don't see any reason for having those low-rider bosses in the front fork, if you have nothing to use them with.

1) Will there be a version that fits a single bottle of organic, Belgian-style beer? 2) Will there be a provision for a tobacco pipe holder on the side?3) Could you perhaps curls the rack stays into the shape of a waxed mustache?

One comment regarding the final design: Make sure there is enough room for the 6-pack to be in a brown paper sack while still fitting snuggly (and securely) in the rack. Also, instruction should include information on open container laws by state. Prost!